Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Wow...it flew by! Ever year Christmas comes quicker and quicker. We had a fun time visiting with friends and family, but it just feels like we are frantically trying to do it all in two days! Ever year I say next will be different, but then it repeats itself again. To watch our kids enjoy Christmas was just awesome. We do exchange gifts and some relatives go over aboard....I will not mention any names Grandma (oops!!) but we also want our kids to know the real meaning of Christmas. It was so awesome to see our littlest daughter so proud of her gift, she gave it to me and said, "I love you mommy" She colored a baby Jesus and wrapped it up. This was just an image on a piece of paper, but to hear her tell the story, just brought tears to my eyes! I will treasure it always. I just love seeing it through their eyes, its magical. She even held a candle at out candle light service at church and she just thought she was big stuff. So even though it went so fast the moments that are the most meaningful will always be in my heart. My kids did play in the snow before it flew out of here too, but it was so pretty and it was neat to see all the blankets of white around our house....it's great to enjoy this wonderous season even if it's a bit cold! Here is my middle daughter catching snowflakes!

I hope you all enjoy this season and have a safe and wonderful New Year!! ***Cheers***I will be posting some new goodies soon, I am so excited for some "love in the air" to fly in and spread all the gushy stuff, or as my hubby says the hallmark holiday! Well.... I love it, the only thing I agree with him on is that everyday you should show some love, but it is good to have a special day to do something even MORE special for that most important person or people in your life...hugs and kisses!!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Ok....are you ready??? I am not! I still have lots of wrapping to do, a few gifts to get....baking to bake....oh my!!! I just popped in to wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and enjoys the season. Thanks so much for supporting handmade artists and my snip-it of the art world. Many of you have sent warm winter wishes and I am so grateful to call you my friends! Look for some new goodies coming soon and maybe a even a surprise!! Off to cross some things off my list...and I hope all of you have been good this year ;) xoxo jackie

P.S. Just incase you are still decorating and need a lovely handmade ornament by an amazing duo husband and wife artist team....check out Cart Before the Horse's blog. They are giving away a great folk art ornament and the winner would be lucky to have such a keepsake! You won't have it to hang on your tree this year, but you won't be disappointed! Peace to all!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Hello....have you ever taken a vacation and need a vacation when you come back? Our family went away for Thanksgiving and I am just now able to sit down at my computer desk. We had such a great time, but I feeling overwhelmed ever since I have come back to town.... it;s like I am spinning in circles. Between two art shows, 1 home show, a gallery opening and the kids holiday practices we have been going non stop....oh my!! Plus throw in Christmas decorating...shopping and trying to get to all the holiday parties. The holidays are approaching soooo super fast this year....I can't get a handle on it...yes I need lots of help or maybe just some yummy hot chocolate cuz its also way to cold here...brrr!

Speaking of which I will pass on a super yummy recipe for those who love hot chocolate but dont like all the yucky stuff in it. This is a clean recipe....its very good and can be enjoyed by all!!

Mint Infused Hot Chocolate

1 mint green tea bag (you can choose decaf or regular, I use decaf)

1/4 cup boiling water

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tbsp light or amber organic agave nectar

Sprig of mint for garnish (optional)

For an extra treat you can add soy whipped cream :)

Enjoy and stay warm too!

We had a wonderful time traveling I even got my own special treat. I met a very special lady on the way out to Colorado. We swapped art and I am a very lucky girl to have an amazing piece and was able to chat for a while too....before we knew it, we had to go but talking was so fun and the 2 hours felt like 2 minutes. Thanks Laurie for a wonderful piece that I will cherish for many years to come. I hope you and your family had a lovely Thanksgiving. Laurie from Monkey Cats Studio is a terrific artist and you should put her art on your Christmas wish list....you will be collecting for years. Her art is timeless and her ability to bring the little fellas to life with such wonderment just puts a smile on my face. Ever time I walk by my guy I just giggle!! Be sure to check her out.....speaking of art we do debut more pieces on Spooky Time Jingles in just a few days, so take a peek on the 13th. It's free shipping too! Buying handmade is so great and supports us artists. Here is my treasure....

Colorado always makes me appreciate the earth around us. The mountains are just so breathtaking. We took hikes almost everyday and were doing things outdoors almost the whole trip. I did venture indoors and try something new.....hot yoga! Whoo-hoo! It was so hot 120 degrees in the room....but your muscles were so warm and I just feel in love with it. Then at the end the teacher comes around an hands you a ice cold washcloth infused with lavendar and lemon...so invigorating! I highly recommend it. A definite stress reliever if your feeling the holiday stress bug!!!

The whole family went back to our favorite spot...the ZOO! It's a zoo that's in the side of a mountain, a bit small, but so neat. The kids and I love it. They even have a ski/chair lift that takes you up the mountain overlooking the zoo and the view is breathtaking. It's called the Cheyenne Zoo in Colorado Springs...check it out if you are in the neighborhood. You can feed the giraffes and they come very close!!! We loved that...here is us having fun with the long neck creatures...

I hope Santa is reading this in his busy schedule and knows mommy needs a better camera to take better pictures...haha! Just had to put that in there ;) We had a great time with friends and it was a needed vacation for our family...plus gas was cheap...thank goodness! Even though I had to take work with me, I really enjoyed it.

Well, looks like I jammed packed this post like all the other holiday craziness in my house....I hope you enjoyed our adventures! I will post an update before the 13th for Spooky Time Jingles. Stay warm and give to those who are in need this holiday season!